Shiho Kuwaki Wins First Major at AIG Women's Open After Playoff Drama

Shiho Kuwaki of Japan won the AIG Women's Open on Sunday, defeating Esther Henseleit of Germany in a sudden-death playoff at Royal Lytham & St Annes to claim the first major title of her career.

A dramatic final round

Kuwaki overcame a five-shot deficit entering the day, according to tournament officials, clawing her way back into contention with a string of birdies on the back nine.

Henseleit forced the playoff with a 40-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole that drew gasps from the gallery, but Kuwaki matched her par on the first extra hole before securing victory with another par on the second.

• Kuwaki finished at five-under for the tournament
• Henseleit was runner-up despite a heroic closing putt
• It was the 50th edition of the AIG Women's Open

A breakthrough moment

The 23-year-old had missed the cut at the same event a year earlier, organisers noted, making Sunday's triumph a striking turnaround.

Nelly Korda and Jeeno Thitikul finished further back on the leaderboard, while England's Charley Hull and Lottie Woad were among the notable names inside the top ten.

Kuwaki's win moves her into the upper reaches of the world rankings and marks Japan's latest breakthrough on the LPGA Tour this season, according to golf officials.